Tennessee Health Exchange Sign-Ups Nearly Double

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The number of Tennesseans signing up under the federal health insurance exchange nearly doubled in March, the last month of open enrollment for coverage.

According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday, more than 151,000 people in Tennessee enrolled through March 31. That's 28,000 people, or 23 percent, more than originally projected by President Barack Obama's administration before the signup period began.

About 28 percent of enrollees are younger than 34, a demographic seen as key to sustaining the health care system.

About 80 percent qualified for federal subsidies. For those enrollees, the silver plan was the most popular, with 83 percent choosing the mid-level plan. For those who did not qualify for assistance, 42 percent chose the lowest-level bronze plan.